Wake Mayors Weigh In On $970M School Bond

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker, along with Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister and Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams, said Wednesday they support a $970 million county school system bond, and they want voters to do the same.

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Wake Mayors Weigh In On $970M School Bond

"I'm calling on all families throughout Raleigh and Wake County to support this school bond issue," Meeker said.

The construction bond package would cover 17 new schools, 13 major renovation projects and land costs for 13 future schools.

"We need to give the school board the support and the resources they need to be successful in doing the job that the citizens of Wake County elected them to do," McAlister said.

Bond opponents, however, have been speaking out as well. Some parents against switching 22 schools to a year-round schedule said they will vote against the bond. Others believe a failed bond will force the school system to explore other options for dealing with growth.

"It raises taxes and reduces choices for parents and it is a bad deal for taxpayers," said Dallas Woodhouse, of Americans for Prosperity.

Some mayors are against the school bond, including Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly. He said the bond is not the best choice for Wake County voters right now.

"Do we really believe this school board can use this billion dollars wisely?" Weatherly asked Wednesday. "I hope that the answer for those that have observed this school board closely is 'no.'"